Fascinating facts about roaches

Homeowners dread having cockroaches around, and there are good reasons for that. These pests have some amazing abilities that make it easy for them to survive and difficult to kill. Did you know that cockroaches can live for up to a week without their head? Find out more about this, along with other impressive facts about roaches.

Restless and Resilient Roaches

One of the strangest facts about roaches is that they can survive even after losing their head. They’re able to do this since they don’t breathe through their mouth. Instead, these pests breathe through small holes on their body. These holes allow oxygen to pass into their body and keep them going.

Headless cockroaches finally die after about a week, due to a lack of water. They don’t need a mouth to breathe, but they do need one to stay hydrated.

Fast and Flexible

One of the most troublesome facts about roaches is that they have a flexible exoskeleton that lets them squeeze through tiny openings. They can get through very small cracks or gaps in your home. This ability also makes it easy for them to hide.

In addition to being flexible, roaches are quick. These bugs can scurry away from predators at top speeds, moving nearly two miles per hour. Their speed helps them avoid being caught. It also makes it possible for them to cover a lot of ground while looking for food and water.

Prehistoric Pests

Cockroaches have been around for ages. Scientists estimate these pests have existed for at least 200 million years. Cockroaches typically live for only a year. However, they can survive for about a month with no food. When you have an infestation, these bugs can remain well-hidden instead of risking being caught while searching for food.

Roaches of All Sizes

Seeing a roach in the Phoenix area may make your skin crawl. However, you might be relieved to know that they’re not as big as their South American cousins. The largest type of cockroach can grow up to six inches in length. These roaches can glide around on wings that measure up to one foot!

German roaches and American roaches are common in the United States. These typically grow to be one to two inches long. While they do have wings, they don’t always use them to get around.

Beer-loving Bugs

One of the most unusual facts about roaches is that they seem to have an appetite for beer. Researchers have found that these bugs are drawn to the hops and sugars in beer. They tend to go after other sugary alcoholic beverages as well. Keeping beer, as well as any other food or drink, sealed and out of reach can help discourage these pests from sticking around your home.

Although these facts about roaches are interesting, they also show just how hard it is to deal with infestations. Keep in mind that these resilient bugs continue to be around during the winter since they know how to stay safe from the cold.